background image

Water risk in company supply chains is growing investor focus, says Ceres

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Responsible Investor or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Investor pressure on companies to address water risks is intensifying, according to sustainability non-profit Ceres
With sectors like agriculture, semiconductors, and data centers facing heightened exposure to water scarcity and contamination, water stewardship is becoming a central concern in ESG engagement efforts
Ceres reports a marked rise in investor inquiries and collaborative actions targeting water risk in supply chains

🔭 The context: Ceres coordinates the Valuing Water Finance Initiative, a $3 trillion investor coalition focused on pressing 72 water-intensive companies to improve water management
The shift in focus follows recent extreme droughts, tightening water regulations, and growing recognition that water-related disruptions can threaten both profitability and supply chain resilience
Traditionally underweighted in ESG metrics, water is now moving to the forefront alongside carbon and biodiversity

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Unchecked corporate water use contributes to ecosystem degradation, community water insecurity, and declining agricultural yields
As freshwater availability becomes increasingly constrained, especially under climate change, improving water stewardship is essential for long-term environmental sustainability
Investor pressure could accelerate the adoption of water-efficient technologies and circular water systems, especially in high-impact industries

⏭️ What's next: Expect more investors to integrate water risk into portfolio assessments and shareholder resolutions, particularly in water-stressed regions
Companies failing to act may face divestment threats or reputational damage. Regulatory shifts—such as mandatory water disclosures under the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)—are also likely to strengthen
Sectors most exposed, including food, chips, and cloud services, will be under heightened scrutiny

💬 One quote: “Water is no longer a silent risk—it’s a systemic one,” said Kirsten James, senior program director at Ceres.

📈 One stat: More than $415 billion in corporate value is at risk globally from water-related challenges, according to CDP data cited by Ceres

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Nestlé, Intel, and Amazon Web Services and their peers in water-intensive sectors.

Click for more news covering the latest on ESG and sustainable agriculture

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team, providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day. Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)